Take Care of Your Dog During the Rainy Season

It's a downer for every dog to stay indoors during the rainy season. It affects their physical and psychological health. As a responsible dog owner, you should prepare your dog before you go out together, as well as when you stay inside your home. Activities should continue even if it is raining. Dogs are creatures of habit. You should not let the rain alter their routine or they will stress out. The rain is not good if you and your dog are not prepared for it. It's not only cold, but it's also very wet out there. Making sure that your dog is healthy even when he has his daily walk in the rain is essential for your furry friend's well being. It's never an excuse for a dog to stay cooped up inside just because it's raining. All you need to do is be aware of the safety and protective measures you need to take when it is time to walk in the rain. You are not the only one who needs to stay dry. Even if dogs are covered with fur, they still need to be shielded from the elements. Take care of your dog during the rainy season and you will have a loyal friend for years to come rain or shine.

How To Take Care of Your Dog When It's Raining

The rainy season is nature's way of cleaning up and rejuvenating your surroundings. It would be great to go outside and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of the rain with your loyal furry friend. Of course, you should be aware that the rainy season is not exactly ideal weather for dogs. Discomfort and health issues are the main things you should watch out for during the rainy season. Here are some ways to care for your dog when it's wet outside:

Wet or damp, fur is an ideal incubation area for fungi and bacteria. Make sure that you rub down your dog before and after your walk. You can also blow dry your dog's fur to fend off the dampness. During the rainy season, bathing your dog can be tedious and messy. It will also help if you use dry shampoo instead of giving your dog regular baths.

Paws are sensitive. They come in contact with the ground all the time. This is the reason they are prone to infection. It is ideal to make your dog wear protective boots or shoes during the rainy season. Doing so, will prevent mud, water, grass, and insects from getting into their paws. Paws can easily harbor pathogens or vectors of diseases. If your dog isn't used to paw-wear, just wipe off, and clean your dog's paws after the walk. It could also help if you trim the fur around the paws, especially if you have a longhaired breed such as a golden retriever, Afghan hound, Shih Tzu, or Irish setter.

There is nothing better than having a warm, dry bed to sleep in during the rainy season. If your dog is used to spending time on the terrace or balcony, a covered resting area with dry bedding should be provided. All food or drinking bowls should be covered as well. During the rainy season, any surface gets cold, and this could harm your dog's joints. The bedding should be changed frequently to prevent bacteria from accumulating.

Your dog can contract ear infections during the rainy season. Moisture easily accumulates in dogs with closed ears such as Dachshunds, Labradors, and Basset Hounds. Earwax and moisture come together and cause ear infections. Just like the paws, ears should always be kept dry, especially after your walk outside. If your dog has long, closed ears, you could just tie them up over your dog's head.

Since it is raining, outdoor activities are not going to be pleasant. Another resort is to have activities for your dogs inside the house. Long walks are not possible so you could just play fetch or perform tricks in your house or garage. If you live in an apartment building, you could take your dog up and down the stairs instead of just using the elevator. This would be good exercise for you as well.

When it's raining too hard, dogs often develop food allergies. You should make sure you monitor your dog's diet. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your dog's diet will provide additional fiber. More fiber in your dog's food will allow regular bowel movements, even if you don't walk much. To prevent your dog from becoming overweight, reduce the amount of food during feeding. Balance out the level of activity with the food intake.

It is very irritating for dogs when they have infections. During the rainy season, infections are usually rampant. Signs that your dog has an infection or allergies are: constant licking of body parts, scratching, odorous ears, and itching. Itchiness may indicate fungal/bacterial infections or allergies. These can be caused by the inability of moisture to escape from the skin's surface. Dog breeds that have deep skin folds, such as boxers and pugs, are prone to such skin infections. Be sure to consult your vet once you notice signs of infections or allergies.

Questions and Answers

Can a dog feel cold during the rainy season?

Yes, a dog can feel cold during the rainy season especially when they stay outdoors. You have to see to it that they are dry. They should have a dry bed to keep them warm. If you need to give them a bath, do it indoors so that they will not be shaking from the cold, and after taking a bath, you have to wrap them in a dry towel.
If the weather is really bad, you can keep your dogs indoors so that they will be warm. You can also play with your dogs to keep them warm. Most dogs can easily adapt to the weather, especially if they are native to that area. During the rainy season, a dry bed in his doghouse will do.

Yes they do, much like humans, they get sick when left outside with no shelter. When it is rainy, make sure your dog is safe (not tied) in their doggy house. Make sure he has water and food and a few toys to entertain him. Never forget to bond with your dog by walking them, playing with them and getting their shots.

Do you bathe your dog when it rains out?

I have a Rottweiler. He is 1 year 10 months. He is not eating and sleeping a lot, and its rainy out here. I don't understand why suddenly he is not eating and sleeping.

I don't understand why suddenly he is not eating and sleeping

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